Our Portfolio
Our Sectors
Living Sector
Invest in dynamic living sectors with GFH Partners, including student housing, multifamily, and co-living. Capitalize on high-demand properties that deliver strong returns and foster vibrant communities.
Key Trends
Strong and Stable Enrollment Growth
Consistent Demand
U.S. college enrollment is projected to reach 19.6 million by 2029, with strong demand concentrated in flagship universities and urban centers.
Demographic Support
Over 76 million Millennials and Gen Z individuals are currently of college-going age (18-29 years), ensuring sustained demand for higher education and housing.
Supply-Demand Imbalance and High Occupancy Rates
Limited On-Campus Housing
Many universities, especially public institutions, have limited on-campus housing, forcing students to seek off-campus options. This creates a consistent demand for private student housing. U.S. universities can only house 20-25% of students on-campus, pushing demand to private student housing options (NMHC, 2021).
High Occupancy Rates
Purpose-built student housing properties near major universities maintain occupancy rates of 95% or higher year-round, even during economic downturns.
Growth in International and Off-Campus Student Housing Demand
Rising International Students
Over 1 million international students in the U.S. in 2021-2022, with 70% living off-campus, driving demand for high-quality, secure housing (Institute of International Education).
Preference for Amenity-Rich Housing
There is a growing shift toward off-campus, amenity-rich housing, reflecting students’ desire for greater independence and modern amenities.
Institutional Investment and Modernization Opportunities
Institutional Capital and Transactions
Institutional investors accounted for over $10 billion in student housing transactions in 2022, a 5% increase from 2021 (Real Capital Analytics). Major REIT acquisitions, like Blackstone’s $12.8 billion purchase of American Campus Communities, highlight strong interest in the sector.
Value-Add Potential
Older student housing properties often lack modern amenities and energy-efficient features, presenting opportunities for value-add investments through renovations and technology upgrades. Around 30% of student housing was built before 2000, presenting opportunities for modernization, energy-efficient upgrades, and renovations to capture higher rents and improve property value.
Living Sector
Portfolio Highlights
Our portfolio of living sector investments is diversified across subsectors with proven long-term fundamentals, and are carefully selected to target strategically located assets that are within close proximity to key entertainment, employment and educational hubs.
2.3
Total AUM ($US)
53
Total No. of Leasable Assets
15
Total No. of Markets
Geographic Breakdown
Discover Our Living Sector Investments
Our Key Strategic Partners
Cedarstone Capital is a premier real estate investment and asset management firm, dedicated to the living sectors in the UK and Ireland. Cedarstone act on behalf of institutional investors, engaging in every stage of the property lifecycle—from planning and development to operations—with the mission to fast-track the delivery of housing and various alternative accommodation options.
Cedarstone excel in built-to-rent properties, co-living spaces, purpose-built student accommodations, key worker housing, and senior living assets. Their management team is highly skilled in dealing with development sites, utilizing a vast network and long-standing relationships with developer partners to source exclusive, off-market opportunities.
In May 2022, GFH Partners Ltd. acquired a majority stake in SQ Asset Management (“SQ”), a renowned investor, owner, and operator in the student housing sector with an extensive track record and a vertically integrated approach, SQ stands out as a leader in the market.
Their in-depth market knowledge, end-to-end platform, and strong sector relationships provide them with a unique competitive edge. Since its inception, SQ has been involved in transactions for over 90 assets, totaling more than 37,000 beds. Currently, SQ owns, operates, and/or manages $1.3 billion in assets under management (AUM) focused on purpose-built, campus-adjacent student housing properties.
GFH Partners Ltd.’s investment in SQ Asset Management underscores a strategic commitment to leveraging SQ’s expertise and solidifying a strong foothold in the student housing market.